Ancient Rome 225-215 BC Janus Heads Denarius Coins Cufflinks In 18Kt Yellow Gold
Cufflinks with ancient Roman Janus coins.
Wonderful and rare pair of early ancient Romans silver denarius (Quadrigatus) coins struck in the Roma mint house during the Roman Republican period between the years 225 B.C. and 215 B.C. These genuine coins was carefully mounted in an elaborated cufflinks frame crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with polished and hammered finish. They are fitted with movable flexibles T-bars for comfort fit.
Obverse: Laureate beardless double head of Janus as Dioscouri, curved neck truncation, framed inside a dotted circle.
Reverse: Jupiter in fast quadriga carriage to the right, driven by Victory with reins in both hands, Jupiter hurling thunderbolt in his right, transverse lotus tipped scepter in his left, incuse ROMA on raised rectangular tablet below, all inside a continuous circle.
Crawford describes obverse as the laureate janiform head of the Dioscuri and explains, "the Dioscuri had acquired the role of protectors of the Roman people as a result of their intervention on the Roman side at the Battle of Lake Regillus. Explaining the reverse, he states, "Jupiter was the god in whose honour a Roman triumph was held." The depiction is probably based on the statue of Jupiter in a quadriga erected on the ridge of the Capitoline Temple in 296 B.C.
Numismatic Literature: Crawford 28/3, Sydenham 64, RSC I 23, SRCV I 31. BM: 1931,0504.17 (The British Museum, License CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).
Note: These early coinages are prior to the Second Punic War. Later with the replacement of the Greek style didrachms with the distinctly Roman quadrigati, bearing a janiform head of the Dioscuri on the obverse, marked the beginning of debasement policies and inflation that would become a recurring story throughout Roman history. Clearly, the demand for precious metals was indeed rising during this period. As inflationary trends continued during this period, the quadrigatus experienced a noted and steady debasement. By the end of the Second Punic War, the quadrigatus hardly appeared to be silver at all but rather much duller due to the major debasement.
Weight: Total of 26.95 Grams, (17.28 Dwt).
Measurements: 24.3 mm by 24.5 mm (0.95 x 0.95 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and the 18kt gold assay mark.
Collateral: They are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this coin cufflinks is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. Both coins are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P0000EERP/.6480
